The art of refereeing solo Posted by Randy Vogt on Dec. 9, 1:42 a.m.The referee's position is called a "diagonal," which he or she runs goes from corner flag to corner flag.» 1 Comments

Tackling gay issues in sportsPosted by Mike Woitalla on Dec. 6, 7:37 p.m.The hardships faced by gay teens inspired the coming-out of former University of North Carolina star David Testo after nearly a decade of pro soccer in MLS, the USL and NASL. We contacted longtime soccer coach and journalist Dan Woog, the author of five books on gay and lesbian issues, to comment on the importance of pro athletes coming out ...» 4 Comments

Making sure the goals are safePosted by Randy Vogt on Dec. 1, 1:38 a.m.The goals are 8 yards in length by 8 feet high. The youngest age groups in youth soccer will often use smaller goals. The goalposts must be white. Should referees come to a field with goalposts that are not white, play the game and report the color of the goal posts to the league.» 0 Comments

Cosmos cash; U-17s on TV; High school rules; MLS teensPosted by Mike Woitalla on Nov. 29, 2:01 p.m.The reincarnated New York Cosmos appear to be recommitting to their relationship with Queens club Blau-Weis Gottschee, which had filed a lawsuit against the Cosmos on Nov. 3 after not receiving a promised payment.» 2 Comments

'They need a guiding hand' (Derek Armstrong Q&A, Part 2)Posted by Mike Woitalla on Nov. 23, 7:06 p.m.Few individuals have had as great an impact on American youth soccer as Derek Armstrong, who is celebrating his 30th anniversary as head of the San Diego Nomads, one of the USA's first fully staffed, multi-team youth clubs. In Part 2 of our interview, Armstrong addresses the USA's challenge in producing special players and the U.S. Soccer Federation's role in ...» 0 Comments

Sideline coaching -- Dump the GPS and let the kids drivePosted by Scott Nelson on Nov. 9, 1:13 p.m.While observing U7 games a few seasons ago I got into a conversation with a disgruntled parent. It turns out that this parent was constantly being told to stop coaching from the sidelines by the team's actual coach. This parent felt justified "getting involved" from the sidelines because, he explained, the designated coach of the team "wasn't coaching enough."» 12 Comments

(Part 2) Klinsmann Q&A: 'We are on the right track' Posted by Mike Woitalla on Nov. 7, 12:39 a.m.Jurgen Klinsmann's stint as Germany's national team coach in 2004-06 coincided with the nation's rebirth as a world power. We asked Klinsmann, U.S. head coach since July, to compare the German player development efforts with those in the USA.» 0 Comments

Klinsmann Q&A: Parents can set an example (Part 1) Posted by Mike Woitalla on Nov. 4, 12:11 a.m.Jurgen Klinsmann, whose playing career included winning the 1990 World Cup title with Germany, took a keen interest in American youth soccer when he moved to California upon his retirement in 1998. He became head coach of the U.S. national team in July and took time before the USA's November friendlies against France and Slovenia to discuss American youth soccer ...» 3 Comments

Part 2: Becoming Alex Morgan: Rising star reflects on youth gamePosted by on Nov. 3, 1:30 p.m.Alex Morgan, at age 22, was the youngest member of the USA's runner-up squad at the 2011 Women's World Cup, where she scored in the semifinal and final. Three years earlier, in the midst of her college career at Cal, she led the USA to the 2008 U-20 World Cup title. We asked the Southern California product to reflect on ...» 0 Comments

Becoming Alex Morgan: Rising star reflects on youth game (Part 1)Posted by on Nov. 2, 1:39 p.m.Alex Morgan, at age 22, was the youngest member of the USA's runner-up squad at the 2011 Women's World Cup, where she scored in the semifinal and final. Three years earlier, in the midst of her college career at Cal, she led the USA to the 2008 U-20 World Cup title. We asked the Southern California product to reflect on ...» 0 Comments